‘Imiloa
‘Imiloa is a place of life‐long learning where the power of Hawai‘i’s cultural traditions, its legacy of exploration, and the wonders of astronomy come together to provide inspiration and hope for generations.
The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is a gathering place that advances the integration of science and indigenous culture. Our diverse exhibits, programs and events harness leading technologies, environmental resources, and cultural practitioners to engage children, families, and communities in exciting ways.
We are an integral part of the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo, and therefore committed to improving the quality of life of the people of Hawai‘i Island and state. Through strategic partnerships with programs of the University, Hawai‘i‐based observatories, local businesses and schools, we create opportunities that strengthen career awareness and workforce development, and contribute to our community sustainability.
Polynesian Voyaging Society
Founded on a legacy of Pacific Ocean exploration, the Polynesian Voyaging Society seeks to perpetuate the art and science of traditional Polynesian voyaging and the spirit of exploration through experiential educational programs that inspire students and their communities to respect and care for themselves, each other, and their natural and cultural environments.
Hawaiian Lifeguard Association
The HLA is a professional association incorporated in the State of Hawaii that seeks to establish and maintain the highest standards of professional surf and open water lifesaving.
Their vision is to maximize the safety of the public in ocean and coastal waters throughout the State of Hawaii, provide public, professional, and governmental education in the field of ocean safety, particularly in areas of rescue management, emergency medical care and treatment, and to conduct informational and educational activities designed to prevent aquatic emergencies in Hawaiian waters.
Maui Cultural Lands
Maui Cultural Lands is a Maui-based grassroots land trust organization whose mission is to stabilize, protect, and restore Hawaiian cultural resources. MCL is one of the few land trust organizations on Maui targeting Hawaiian cultural lands along the coast and inland areas. It is a small organization operating on the basis of volunteerism.
Na Kalai Wa’a
Na Kalai Waa is an education-based 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization dedicated to the maintenance of cultural values and customs through the teaching and application of non-instrument navigation and open-ocean voyaging.
Oral traditions in Hawaiʻi are rich in themes of voyaging, from migration myths to hero myths. Indeed Hawaiʻi’s history is steeped in maritime activities since this was the only way to reach these remote islands until the invention of the airplane in the 1900s. Despite all of these rich traditions, Westerners questioned and debated the validity of Pacific Island maritime techniques.
And so in 1970s several proud citizens of Hawaiʻi set out accomplish their own scientific experiment with the intent to prove that Pacific Islanders were more than capable of sailing into the wind and navigating across the large Pacific ocean on lashed canoes. Thus Hōkūleʻa was born, our mother and the first voyaging canoe seen in Hawaiʻi since the time of the Kamehameha’s.
Na Kama Kai
Nā Kama Kai’s (Children of the Sea) mission is to empower youth by creating, conducting and supporting ocean-based programs, specifically targeting ocean safety and conservation awareness in order to increase the capacity of youth in the community through Hawaiian values, culture and environmental education.
Nā Kama Kai understands the immense value of the ocean environment, its vast resources, and its relationship to the land. As stewards of the kai (sea) and ʻāina (land) keiki (youth/children) from all ethnic origins and economic backgrounds will learn to embrace their kuleana (responsibility) as caretakers of marine ecosystems that must be nurtured for future generations.
We strongly believe in our motto, Keiki Aloha Kai Aloha, Beloved Child, Beloved Sea. Our children are nurtured at the same time that their love for the ocean is nurtured. As they continue to grow, this contemporary ‘ōlelo no‘eau is a reminder of their special place in the world along with their relationship and kuleana to the ocean and our natural environment.